Mazda 3 hatchback vs Honda Civic hatchback full comparison

Honda Civic hatchback is one of the most popular hatchbacks, when it is a great pick for someone who is in the market for a quality hatchback car, there are other different options such as the Mazda 3 hatchback.

The Mazda 3 hatchback comes with features and build quality that puts it at par with the Honda Civic hatchback. Here we will have a comparison of these two hatchbacks’ exterior, interior, engine, safety tech, drive quality, and pricing.

The Honda Civic hatchback comes in different trims that include; LX, Sport, EX-L, and Sport Touring. Similarly, for the Mazda 3 hatchback, you will get different trims as follows; 2.5 S SELECT SPORT, 2.5 S PREFERRED, 2.5 S CARBON EDITION, 2.5 S PREMIUM, and the 2.5 TURBO PREMIUM PLUS. For both, the specs are higher as you rise up the trim levels.

Honda Civic hatchback vs Mazda 3 hatchback exterior comparison

The exterior of both cars is easily distinguishable even though they both are hatchbacks. The Mazda 3 hatchback has the Mazda’s KODO design language, notable difference from the Honda Civic is the big front grill and the conventional hatchback rear design. For the Honda Civic, you get a double grill on the front, the rear design looks more like a Sportback than a hatchback.

Honda Civic hatchback’s rear

See, Honda Civic hatchback vs Toyota Corolla hatchback full comparison.

Here is how the exterior specs of the two vehicles compare:

Both are 5 doors hatchbacks
The ground clearance of the Mazda 3 hatchback is up to 5.9 inches while that of the Civic hatchback is up to 6.7 inches
On the Civic, you get daytime running lights that are not available on the Mazda 3
Mazda 3 hatchback has adaptive light control, on the Civic hatchback, you get Auto high-beam headlights only
On both vehicles, you get 16 inch alloy wheels on the base trims, the higher trims come with 18 inch alloy wheels
Both cars have a sunroof on higher trims

Mazda 3 hatchback

Mazda 3 hatchback vs Honda Civic hatchback interior

Regarding the interior space, the Honda Civic wins compared to the Mazda 3 hatchback, as shown below. The interior finishes on both cars feel premium, especially on higher trims, that being said, the interior of the Mazda 3 feels more premium than that of the Civic hatchback.

Below is a look at the interior specs of both cars:

Both are 5 seaters(two front and three at the rear)
The legroom on the front seats is okay in both
For the back seats, the Mazda 3 has just okay legroom and will be uncomfortable for long rides. The Honda Civic on the other hand has adequate legroom
The headroom is okay on these two vehicles
Mazda 3 hatchback has a center armrest on the rear row of seats, this is not available on the Civic hatchback
When it comes to cargo space, the Honda Civic hatchback is more spacious with a capacity of 25.7 Cubic feet, the Mazda 3 hatchback trunk capacity is 20.1 cubic fee
The Honda Civic hatchback has a noticeable honeycomb vent on the dashboard
On the Mazda 3, you get an 8.8 inches infotainment system while that of the Civic ranges from 7 to 9 inches
Both cars come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The infotainment system on the Mazda 3 is controlled through a dial knob. For the Honda Civic hatchback, you get a touch-controlled infotainment system
Mazda 3 has small sized windows, this means you will get a wider and better exterior view on the Civic hatchback
You get Bose music system on higher trims of both vehicles
Both vehicles have soft finishes with few plastics

Check, Mazda 3 hatchback vs Toyota Corolla hatchback full comparison.

Mazda Demio Interior

Honda Civic hatchback vs Mazda 3 hatchback engines

These two cars come with different engine options, the Mazda 3 engine will give a slightly better driving experience as we will later see below.

The following is a comparison of the engine options available:

The Honda Civic comes with two options, that is the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine and the 1.5L turbocharged engine. or the Mazda 3, you can go for the naturally aspirated 2.5L or the turbocharged option
Civic hatchback gives either 158hp or 180hp. Mazda 3 ranges between 191hp to 227hp
The Civic comes with a CVT transmission with a few 6-speed manuals available. The Mazda 3 on the other hand comes with 6 speed automatic transmission, manual transmission options are available on entry grades
The Mazda 3 comes with FWD and AWD options while the Honda Civic hatchback comes with FWD option only
Civic hatchback has a torque of 138 lb-ft to 177 lb-ft while the Mazda 3 hatchback torques ranges between 186 lb-ft to 310 lb-ft
Fuel consumption of the Civic is 31 MPG to 38 MPG, the Mazda 3 will give 26 MPG to 35 MPG

Mazda 3 hatchback vs Honda Civic hatchback safety technology

On the Mazda 3, you get the Mazda ACTIVSENSE, this tech comes packed with some tech which includes; Blind spot monitoring, Adaptive cruise control, Autonomous braking, and Active lane centering on higher trims.

On the Honda Civic hatchback, you get Honda sensing technology, this tech includes; Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist System.

Mazda 3 hatchback and Honda Civic hatchback driving experience compared

For anyone who wants a powerful drive, the torque engine options will be the right pick. For an engaging drive, the manual options will be okay, or the Mazda 3 with a 6-speed automatic transmission. For a smooth drive, go for the Honda Civic with a CVT transmission, the downside is that driving the CVT Civic might feel boring since there won’t be that driver-car interaction.

Both vehicles will handle great on the road and the body roll is slightly low. Mazda 3 comes with a Torsion beam rear suspension. This means that the Mazda 3 is less comfortable compared to the Civic hatchback, especially on bumpy rides.

Honda Civic hatchback vs Mazda 3 hatchback reliability

Both the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 are reliable vehicles, you can be sure that these cars with serve you for a long time with no issues as long as you service them. That being said, there have been some issues reported on both such as AC problem and turbo engine oil consumption in the Mazda 3 and vibration and airbag light in the Honda Civic.

Price of Mazda 3 hatchback vs Honda Civic hatchback price

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the Honda Civic is $24,950 for the base trims. The Mazda 3 hatchback is at Mazda 3 is $25,690 for entry level trims.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a spacious hatchback, the Honda Civic hatchback is the best stick, for a premium interior, you can pick the Mazda 3 hatchback. Both cars have turbo engines options that will give you a powerful drive.